3 Tips for Taking a School Tour

Before you head out to your next school tour, here’s some advice from Tiara Hillis, Greenwood’s Executive Director, Admissions. With more than 20 years of experience in recruitment and admissions – and connecting families with a school that fits their values and needs – Tiara shares her top tips.

1. Get a feel for it: Visiting a school for a guided tour provides you and your family a chance to hear about the school’s approach to learning and its programming, check out the physical space, and connect with the Admissions Team, students and other staff about their experiences. Perhaps most importantly, it gives you a chance to get a feel for the school.

“During your visit, look around and notice: how are students and teachers interacting? Are the staff approachable and engaging? What’s the feeling you get when you are in the building? Can you picture yourself and your child here?,” says Tiara. “Really take a moment to observe whether what you are hearing about on the tour can be seen in the hallways and classrooms.”

2. Consider what’s important to you: Choosing a school for your child’s education is a shared family decision based on your values, educational approach, and your child’s needs. Before a tour, Tiara says, take a moment to think about your child’s strengths and opportunities for growth.

“Attend the tour with your child’s strengths and opportunities in mind. How will the school nurture and affirm those strengths? In what ways will your child be challenged and stretched? How will your child be supported in their areas for growth? What does growth and success look like to you and your family?”

3. It’s a moment in time: Every day in a middle and high school can bring new activities, energy and excitement. These communities are, of course, made up of real humans who have good days, not-so-good days and even challenging days. 

“Any school tour is a snapshot – a brief glimpse into the school on a particular day. What’s happening in the school, the lives of the students and the outside world can impact a tour. Be sure to spend more time in the school as you explore your options,” Tiara says. “Speak to other parents, connect with other students, chat with the Admissions Team, attend other events or even the school play and a basketball game. All this together helps you get a feel for a school to ensure it is a great fit for your child.”

Need more information before booking a tour? Inquire today.

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